Alberta is preparing a giant crude-by-rail operation to help its oil-sands producers cope with a pipeline crunch, and it expects a big profit from the venture.

The Canadian province, which holds the world’s third-largest crude reserves, plans to net C$2.2 billion ($1.7 billion) after investing C$3.7 billion to lease tank cars and buy service from rail providers, generating C$5.9 billion from sales and increased royalty and tax revenue, according to a statement on Tuesday.

The rail plan is one of Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s signature moves to help the province’s oil producers, who have been hurt by pipeline shortages that have made it difficult to ship their crude to refiners on the U.S. Gulf Coast, weighing on prices. The plan also comes after Notley mandated production cuts to ease the strain on shipping capacity and work down a glut of oil that had built up in storage.

Not all oil companies have the capital to invest in crude by rail, Notley said at a press conference Tuesday in explaining why government intervention was necessary.

“That’s why it was important to step up,” she said.

The deal reached with Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. and Canadian National Railway Co. entails leasing 4,400 rail cars over three years, buying crude from the province’s producers, and then shipping the oil to various markets throughout North America. The province expects to generate revenue from the profit it turns on selling crude to refiners, as well as from the higher oil prices that the additional shipping capacity will support.

Key Goals

Add 120,000 barrels a day of crude-by-rail capacity over three years Lease 4,400 rail cars for three years Shrink Canadian crude discount by $4 a barrel over two yearsAlberta’s investment in rail comes as companies struggle to get new oil pipelines built to get Alberta’s crude to markets even as production rose and pipeline bottlenecks developed, causing heavy Canadian crude’s discount to West Texas Intermediate futures to widen to $50 a barrel in October.

“The investment in crude by rail and the elevation of the amount of crude going by rail comes as a result of successive federal government failings” to get new pipelines approved and built, Notley said Tuesday.

Last year, Canada’s federal government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan Inc. to keep alive a project to expand the only pipeline that carries Alberta’s crude to the Pacific Coast. That project later suffered a setback when a court ruled that the National Energy Board would have to resume regulatory hearings.

The rail service will begin in July with about 20,000 barrels a day before ramping up to its full capacity of 120,000 barrels a day by mid-2020. The province is still in negotiations with potential refiners, but expects to sell to refiners within Canada and along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

“Absolutely no risk” exists in finding markets for the oil and that the oil would displace rail shipments of agricultural and other commodities, Notley said.

Companies including Imperial Oil Ltd. have criticized the government’s intervention in the market, saying the mandatory production curtailments caused the price difference between Canadian crude and competing grades elsewhere to narrow so much that shipping by rail is no longer economic. The discount of Western Canadian Select shrank to less than $7 a barrel last month. Amid the criticism, Notley’s government recently reduced curtailment to 250,000 barrels a day from 325,000 barrels a day and the price discount has since widened to $15 a barrel.

“We anticipate that differentials will get back to rail economics very soon,” she said.

The rail plan has a few differences from the outline Notley provided in a speech in November. The lease of 4,400 rail cars, without buying or leasing locomotives, is less than the 7,000 cars and 80 locomotives originally planned. The lower figure came about through negotiations with the rail lines and more efficient routes, the province said.

“We are confident that this will turn out to be a good business decision for taxpayers,” she said. “The risk is in doing nothing.”

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc said on Thursday it had taken a stake in Suncor Energy Inc, sending the U.S.-listed shares of the oil and gas producer up 4 percent in after-market trading.

Berkshire said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has a stake of 10.8 million shares in the company, representing about 0.7 percent of Suncor’s total outstanding shares, according to Eikon data from Refinitiv.

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Endeavor Robotic Holdings, Inc., a leading developer of battle-tested, tactical unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the global military, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets, from Arlington Capital Partners for $385 million in cash. Endeavor’s highly-mobile and easy to operate ground robots utilize advanced sensing and actuation in providing explosive ordnance disposal, reconnaissance, inspection, and hazardous materials support for troops, police, and industrial users at stand-off range. Along with the recent acquisition of Aeryon Labs, FLIR has significantly expanded its unmanned systems capabilities.

Based outside Boston and formerly known as iRobot Defense & Security, Endeavor has shipped more than 7,000 UGVs to customers in over 55 countries. Their robots have been deployed in numerous applications, including by police and SWAT teams, by first responders, and at nuclear power and industrial plants. Endeavor is one of the largest UGV providers to the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD), and a key supplier of unmanned systems for the accelerating modernization of global military and law enforcement operational assets. Having recently been awarded the U.S. Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) contract, Endeavor is a major participant in several programmatic opportunities with the U.S. DoD and its ally militaries worldwide.

"The acquisition of Endeavor Robotics, coupled with previous acquisitions of Aeryon Labs and Prox Dynamics, has positioned FLIR as a leading unmanned solutions provider and advances the strategy we detailed at our Investor Day last year," said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. "This acquisition aligns with our evolution from sensors to intelligent sensing and ultimately solutions that save lives and livelihoods. Endeavor’s momentum with the U.S. DoD and other global defense and police forces provides us significant opportunity to participate in long-term franchise programs and will help us create growth for the company."

Having the largest deployed fleet of tactical robotics systems in the world, Endeavor has over 30 years of proven experience in advanced ruggedized UGVs. The company’s family of UGVs covers a broad spectrum of robot weight classes, from the five-pound throwable FirstLook® reconnaissance robot to the 500-pound Kobra™ heavy-lift robot, and all models are controllable under one common command and control system. Endeavor’s modular approach to design also allows for varying payloads and sensor systems for the needs of each customer, including imaging and reconnaissance, vehicle and room inspection, bomb disposal, hazardous materials detection and disposal, radiation monitoring, and route clearance.

"Joining forces with FLIR Systems will allow Endeavor to take its life-saving technology to the next level, so we can better serve the warfighter, the police officer, and the first responder who use our robots on the frontlines every day," said Sean Bielat, CEO of Endeavor. "We’re excited to be part of a company that sees its strategic growth in unmanned systems and will invest in our products, platforms and people. It is a tremendous fit and we look forward to the mission ahead."

Upon closing of the acquisition, which is expected in the first quarter of 2019, Endeavor will be part of the FLIR Government and Defense Business Unit’s Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions division. The transaction is expected to be $0.03 dilutive to FLIR Systems’ 2019 adjusted earnings per share due to borrowing costs associated with funding the transaction, and accretive thereafter. FLIR Systems’ management will discuss this strategic acquisition during its 2018 Q4 earnings call scheduled for February 13, at 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

About FLIR Systems

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, FLIR Systems is a world-leading maker of sensor systems that enhance perception and heighten awareness, helping to save lives, improve productivity, and protect the environment. Through its nearly 3,700 employees, FLIR Systems’ vision is to be "The World’s Sixth Sense" by leveraging thermal imaging and adjacent technologies to provide innovative, intelligent solutions for security and surveillance, environmental and condition monitoring, outdoor recreation, machine vision, navigation, and advanced threat detection.

NDT.net has revamped its website providing a mobile-friendly design. Today, about 33% of NDT.net users already access the platform from mobile devices, with the tendency to increase. India has been on top of the list - 50% of the users are already accessing NDT.net from mobile devices.

"NDT.net is based on a complex customized programming system. Redesigning a website with such features is a challenge, but is absolutely necessary to serve the needs of our users. ", says Rolf Diederichs owner of NDT.net, "I am pleased to see we have successfully mastered this project, ready to be launched for 2019. This has been a major step to make our website more user-friendly."

The front page received a completely new design and all other sections are now reacting responsively on mobile devices. This development has been a major milestone. This is especially for forum users, which frequently engage in problem solving and other discussions on the spot using mobile devices. In addition to the mobile design, the forum has also received an embedded translation box to ease communication across countries. Last but not least, the exhibition has received mobile-friendly navigation and search filters.

NDT.net has provided an innovative and open access web-platform for the global community of non-destructive testing since 1996. It will continue its development and improvement in order to provide users worldwide with high-quality website, unique features and services.

Rebecca Rudolph is VP of Global Sales for YXLON Copenhagen and COMET Industrial X-ray from 1st of January 2019. Rebecca joined COMET as Sales & Business Development Manager for portable X-ray systems in North America in 2014 and then was promoted as VP Marketing & Sales for the American market in 2017.

Rebecca's expertise lies in understanding and working with a variety of NDT modalities for materials inspection and characterization, including mini- and microfocus X-ray imaging, portable X-ray sources, detectors, and X-ray computed tomography.

She has a diverse background in a number of microscopy and spectrography techniques and holds a B.A. in Geology from Oberlin College.

Noah Fredette is Director of Sales and Marketing for the American market from 1st of January 2019. Noah joined COMET as the Senior Sales & Business Development Manager for portable X-ray systems in North America in 2017 and brings his experience and enthusiasm to the continued delivery of sales and new customer development.

Noah has been working with X-ray and digital radiography technology in the industrial world for over five years, focusing on the aerospace and oil & gas markets. He also has extensive experience negotiating contracts with multi-national corporations, key account management and holds a B.S in Business Administration from Juniata College.

Noah uses his past experience in non-destructive imaging applications, sales, and account management to drive the growth of COMET’s portable brand in America.

To support the upcoming growth of the business, Nucleom began the construction of its new headquarters last July, an investment of approximately $6 million. In addition to the project management, administrative support and business unit, a research and development laboratory on Non-Destructive Testing will be built to develop innovative inspection methods and techniques.

For Nucleom, the construction of the new headquarters will result in the consolidation of more than a hundred positions in Canada and will double the number of jobs available in Quebec within a 5-year period. As part of this growth focus, PROFIT 500 placed Nucleom as the number 1 fastest growing company in Quebec City in 2017. Since then, Nucleom has continued to grow by doubling its turnover in 2018.

During winter 2019, Nucleom will join the leading expertise of the Michelet Innovation area at 3405 Rue Pierre-Ardouin. In fact, the company is focusing on the particularly flourishing sector of Non-Destructive Testing in Quebec City, an acknowledged world leader in this field, to establish its headquarters.

The latter will support all the major contracts, thereby ensuring the integrity of equipment in the nuclear sector mainly, but also in the petrochemical, mines and infrastructure sectors. Nucleom’s projects have helped to promote public and environmental protection in these sectors.

To support the company growth, Nucleom is glad to count on its association with Investissement Québec as a financial partner, who granted a $1.733 million-dollar loan directly from their equity.

“Nucleom is led by an experienced and dynamic team that has a well-defined strategic vision for the company. We are proud to support this leader in their growth, and thereby, to play an active role in the development of Quebec’s next generation of business people. The company is in an excellent position to build on opportunities in the nuclear industry and to continue its growth”, declared Pierre Gabriel Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer of Investissement Québec.

This was also made possible through the LEED Certification Assistance Program by Vision Entrepreneuriale Québec 2023, City of Quebec. Also, a special thanks to the National Bank for their financial support in this growth project. Nucleom is also very grateful to its employees, clients and collaborators. This sustained growth over the years reflects the dedication of the entire team and their loyalty.

HEARN, Murray George, age 91, of Port Dover, Ontario, died Tuesday morning, November 27, 2018 surrounded by his family at Brantford Hospital. Born June 10,1927 in Hamilton, Ontario, he was the son of the late Alfred and Kathleen (nee Hayward) Hearn. Predeceased by his older sister Ann Bowen (Lloyd) and younger brother Irvin Hearn (Jane).

For 35 years Murray worked at Stelco Steel in Hamilton and later in Nanticoke. His love for life was large and he was a true Canadian, visiting all capital cities. Murray loved to spend time with family and friends and if he could get them to fish, fly or sit around a campfire with him even better. He volunteered many years for Scouts Canada in Stoney Creek. He was a member of the Canadian Heritage War Plane Museum and the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association.

Dearly loved father to the late Christine Wedmid (Nick), John (Willa), Kathy Austen (Keith), Peter (Olenka), late Janie, Patricia Hamilton, George (Debbie) and Roberta Hunt (Kevin). He was loved and will be sadly missed by each of his 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. He truly enjoyed his adventures with his partner, Diane James, over the past 6 years. A friend to Dar and Greg, Shannon Hall, Lynda and Shelly Manzer and David and Donna Manzer.

The family would like for you to join them in a Celebration of Life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #158, 212 Market Street, Port Dover, on Sunday December 9, 1:00-4.00 pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thompson Waters Funeral Home, Port Dover 519-583-1530. For those wishing, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated. On-line donations and/or condolences can be made at www.thompsonwatersfuneralhome.ca
Poppa. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

Burlington, Ontario--IR is spreading its reach, across Canada that is. In addition to its offices and showroom in Western Canada—Edmonton, Alberta to be specific--IR will now have an eastern presence. The change takes place with the opening of their new location in Burlington, Ontario.

“We’re really excited about this change and how it provides support for the NDT industry right across Canada,” said Robbie VanHoek, National Business Development Manager at IR. “We have clients all over the world, and we’ve been able to support those clients from our home office in Edmonton. We really want to be able to provide face-to-face service for specific NDT hotspots though, and selecting this location in Eastern Canada for our expansion seems like the natural decision”.

Robbie who has been with IR for over five years, will now call Burlington his home base. There he will oversee business that includes an in-store shopping option. This is in addition to the e-commerce option that IR already has in place.

Originally known as Industrial Radiography Supplies and Services, IR is a mainstay in the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. It first supported companies, as its name suggested, using radiographic methods. Clients were not only able to source the supplies required for their everyday business, they were able to get maintenance on their equipment in a highly regulated industry where service was previously unavailable. Over the years the focus broadened, and IR added more NDT disciplines in their offering, including ultrasonics, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant.

“We recently increased our bench strength with the addition of two highly qualified and experienced business development specialists”, said Brian Sargent, co-owner of IR. “With the extra support at home, we are now able to broaden our reach beyond oil and gas, and into aerospace, power generation and manufacturing. We’re really excited about sharing our expertise in an industry that is all about high standards.”

The official opening of the IR location in Burlington is today, Monday December 3, 2018. The address and other contact information can be found on the IR website at IRSS.ca.

We are pleased to announce the senior appointment of Mr. Nathan Leslie to the role of Chief Sales Officer.

Having joined NDT Global in 2014, Mr. Leslie held the position of USA Key Account Team Manager, supporting several of our largest clients identify critical corrosion and crack like features in their pipeline assets, utilizing high-resolution ultrasonic technologies.

With over a decade of experience in the oil and gas industry, Mr. Leslie brings an in-depth knowledge and proven record of accomplishment of expanding presence and market share. Graduating from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Mr. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. He has continued his studies completing various sales and management courses.

Mr. Leslie commented, "I am excited about joining the talented Executive Leadership team we have at NDT Global. In the role of Chief Sales Officer, I look forward to working with our Sales and Marketing teams to deliver unique solutions our clients need to operate their assets safely and efficiently - without failures".

The appointment of Mr. Leslie to the executive leadership team supports NDT Global's commitment to developing service offerings to meet the future needs of the industry. This appointment will drive the go to market strategy, providing strong sales leadership and planning for NDT Global's sales strategies in existing and developing markets.

Canadian heavy crude prices rallied Friday as U.S. refinery demand rises and increased volumes are shipped by rail car.

Heavy Western Canadian Select’s discount to West Texas Intermediate futures narrowed to $39.25 a barrel, the smallest since late September, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The absolute price increased to $17.43 a barrel after dropping on Thursday to the lowest in Bloomberg data stretching back a decade.

BP Plc returned its crude unit and a coker to operation after maintenance was completed, a person familiar with operations said Wednesday. At the same time, increased volumes of crude are being exported by rail as companies sign up for multi-year contracts.

Crude-by-rail loadings at monitored terminals in Western Canada reached a record-high monthly average of 274,000 barrels a day in October, according to Genscape Inc. data. Canadian oil companies have said they seek to double those volumes by next year.

“If rail volumes continue expanding, it could help cover for limited storage space and help producers avoid cuts,” Dylan White, oil market analyst at Genscape Inc. said in an email.

A glut caused by a surge Western Canadian production running into limited pipeline capacity this year has caused heavy and light grades to trade at record discounts to world oil benchmarks. Last month, WCS more than $50 a barrel to WTI. A year ago, the discount was less than $15.

The price collapse has prompted oil sands producers including Cenovus Energy Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. to shut what could amount to 140,000 barrels a day or more this quarter.

Crude inventories at five monitored terminals in Western Canada reached 34.2 million barrels the week ended Nov. 9, Genscape’s White said. That’s an increase of about a million barrels versus two weeks earlier. Inventories reached the highest observed capacity in May 2014.

The NRCan NDTCB has implemented a significant program update to its certification process for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The minimum percentage of qualifying work experience obtained by NDT candidates in order to be eligible for practical examination has been reduced from 50% to 25% (reference updated [Version 03] NRCan NDTCB Rules of Implementation for CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014). The current Rules of Implementation for CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014 can be found on our website at the following link: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mining-materials/non-destructive-testing/8586.

This means that candidates who have obtained 25% or more of their total required work experience hours (and have satisfied all minimum application requirements) are eligible to receive admittance to the NDT practical examination for a given method. This change affects new applications and applications already in process. Candidates are responsible to contact the NRCan NDTCB to inquire about their eligibility for practical examination, or to submit work experience hours for review to receive their practical examination admittance and registration form(s). The NRCan NDTCB will not notify candidates of their eligibility for practical examination—candidates must initiate this process/inquiry. Please contact the NDTCB for more information.

Background: This program update is being implemented by the NRCan NDTCB as part of our continuous improvement to further streamline the certification process, and to assist candidates in gaining both employment/work experience and certification in the field of NDT.

Based on recent feedback from various industry stakeholders and program users across Canada, the NRCan NDTCB is aware that it may be challenging for candidates to gain access to the qualifying work experience required for both practical examination eligibility and certification eligibility, which may then create potential time delays and barriers for the fulfillment of certification and examination requirements.

Although program updates such as this may improve the certification process for current and future candidates, the NDTCB would like to encourage the NDT industry/employers to continue to improve access to and provide opportunities for quality work experience for NDT certification candidates.

As always, the NRCan NDTCB appreciates your participation and continued support and we strongly encourage you to share this update with as many current or future candidates as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.

The CNSC is the first regulator in Canada to implement clear guidance and requirements for managing worker fitness for duty with respect to alcohol and drug use, which includes a comprehensive set of alcohol and drug testing measures.

Read about how our experts are sharing and exchanging knowledge on both the national and international stages:

On March 2017, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Products Limited opened its Quebec & The Maritimes Office in Baie D'urfé, Québec. The office location enabled the company to better serve its Eastern Canada customers. To show appreciation to new and existing customers, NDT Products Limited is hosting an Open House on September 28, 2018 from 10 am to 5 pm in the Baie D'urfé Office.

During the open house, NDT Products will be showcasing the latest NDT equipment & supplies, Aerospace Sealants, Adhesives & Supplies, Airline Maintenance Equipment and Wastewater Filtration System. Product experts from Sherwin Inc., Hitachi-High Tech Analytical Science, Zetec & 3M will be on hand to provide a demo and answer product questions. Guests will also be treated to lunch & refreshments.

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to grant a 10-year operating licence for OPG’s Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

“OPG is very pleased with the CNSC’s decision that will save Ontario’s electricity customers up to $600 million and preserve 7,500 jobs across Ontario,” said Jeff Lyash, OPG’s President and CEO. “Today’s decision reflects our continued investment in Pickering to improve its already strong performance, and the dedication of our staff to nuclear safety and ensuring safe and reliable operations to 2024.”

The licence will be valid from September 1, 2018 until August 31, 2028. The station will operate until the end of 2024, followed by safe storage activities, such as removal of fuel and water, between 2024 and 2028.

OPG applied to the CNSC for a licence renewal in August 2017. From June 25 to June 29 2018, the CNSC held a public hearing in Pickering, Ontario.

Quick facts:
•Continued safe operations of Pickering Nuclear will help to secure a reliable and efficient supply of low cost, baseload electricity.
•For two years in a row, Pickering Nuclear has been awarded the highest possible safety rating from federal regulators.
•OPG has continually invested in the station to keep the units running efficiently.
•Operating Pickering until 2024 will avoid carbon emissions comparable to taking 3.4 million cars off the road
•Continued Pickering operations will contribute $12.3 billion to Ontario’s GDP

For further information, please contact:
Ontario Power Generation
Media Relations
416-592-4008
or
1-877-592-4008

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard Matthews as the President of NDT Global.

With more than 30 years' experience in the oil and gas industry and most recently the position of Operations Director for PIMS of London, Mr. Matthews' appointment supports NDT Global's visionary product strategy and continued growth in developing service solutions to meet the future needs of the industry.

"I am both honored and delighted to be the President of NDT Global. I believe our customer-driven research and development focus, along with a commitment to operational rigor and discipline, ensures that we continue to offer the best value pipeline assurance solutions in the industry." Mr. Matthews commented.

Based at our headquarter office, he will be responsible for implementing the organization's strategy and driving the day-to-day business of the company, including the delivery of high-accuracy pipeline robotic solutions for the inspection of cracks, metal loss and mechanical damage to the oil, gas and petrochemical industries worldwide.

SGS and Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE), announced today a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) for the joint deployment and commercialization of BHGE's real-time software and sensor-based Predictive Corrosion Management (PCM) solution. Leveraging the capability of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), PCM will enable asset owners to increase their ability to monitor their facilities, and detect and predict corrosion issues using real-time data powered by BHGE's ultrasonic sensing technology and advanced analytics. François Marti, SGS Chief Operating Officer North America, and Holger Laubenthal, CEO of Inspection Technologies for BHGE, signed the SAA in the presence of customers and company officials during a recent conference in Houston.

PCM generates wall thickness and temperature measurements from Rightrax PM ultrasonic sensors placed on critical equipment such as pipes, tanks, and vessels; the solution applies advanced analytics, resulting in real-time assessment of data that has traditionally been gathered through risky and time-consuming manual inspections. While particularly valuable to oil & gas downstream, petrochemical, and upstream asset operators, PCM can help any industry segment challenged by corrosion-related risk. PCM is one essential tool to help asset owners benefit from enhanced plant reliability and integrity programs, while maximizing operational safety and extending asset life.

"PCM is one of our core offerings to help customers make the invisible, visible," said Holger Laubenthal, CEO of Inspection Technologies for BHGE. "We are looking forward to working with SGS to accelerate deployment of PCM, a predictive digital solution that is becoming a benchmark for corrosion monitoring across several industries. This agreement will play a key role in improving safety, reducing equipment downtime, and improving operations for our customers globally."

SGS provides visual inspection and non-destructive testing services to large industrial assets, both in-service and during regular shutdown events, helping to ensure industrial asset integrity globally. BHGE's Inspection Technologies business, part of its Digital Solutions segment, has been one of SGS' suppliers of non-destructive testing (NDT) technology for years and is itself providing industrial asset owners with critical technological solutions and services. Combining SGS' broad network and asset integrity expertise with BHGE's technological expertise will ensure rapid deployment of PCM, and drive scale in the market for inspection and maintenance services and technology.

About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world. Visit us at https://www.sgs.com/en/campaigns/predictive-corrosion-management

About BHGE
Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) is the world's first and only full stream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup – inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world. Visit us at BHGE.com.

IR Supplies and Services Teams Up With Educator to Further Skills of Developing Experts

Edmonton, Alberta—In conjunction with NAIT’s recent celebration on their record-breaking fundraising campaign and the upcoming opening of their Productivity and Innovation Centre, IR Supplies and Services is pleased to announce their contribution to furthering the studies of future professionals in the NDT (non-destructive testing) industry.

Robbie VanHoek, Manager of Business Development at IR spoke about the company’s commitment during Tuesday’s announcement.

“Over the last year we have had the opportunity to partner with NAIT on helping to expand their NDT program in the new centre. By working with our vendors, IR has been able to donate new equipment and additional support to NAIT. The number one resource in our industry is our people – the future generation of NDT. Supporting that is a priority for us.”

NAIT’s NDT program will be housed in the new Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC), scheduled to open this fall. PIC will be NAIT’s front door to industry, offering services and solutions to help Alberta companies become more innovative, productive and competitive.

As the technical aspects of the NDT industry continue to evolve, the need for new equipment and supporting the training for the use of that equipment is important for those who undertake the program.

Brian Pardell, NAIT’s Associate Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development said it’s important for the polytechnic to collaborate with industry. “IR’s donation of equipment for NAIT’s NDT program is a true testament to the partnership between industry and NAIT. This donation allows NAIT to ensure that our programing is aligned to the changing needs of industry and that our graduates are trained and ready to work with the right skill set when they begin their careers.”

IR’s contribution could not have been made without the cooperation of their suppliers, with whom they share a valued relationship.

About IR Supplies and Services
IR Supplies and Services has been a trusted source for NDT equipment in Canada since 2004. They supply top products and brands, perform non-destructive testing research, provide NDT training courses and perform maintenance, repair, and equipment calibrations. IR leverages both outside partners and internal capabilities to bring the most comprehensive and high-quality NDT equipment to customers.

About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With nearly 60,000 credit and non-credit students and a 95 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to Alberta’s prosperity. Known for hands-on, technology-based learning, NAIT engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.